Marquez, Haresco ensure Aklan’s Congress seats stay in family

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

(This story is part of a series of election reports examining major political dynasties in Western Visayas.)

When Aklan was divided into two legislative districts in 2019, the Marquez and Haresco families quickly established their political dominance and are once again poised to maintain their grip in both districts in the 2025 midterm polls.

Historically, Aklan was represented as a single congressional district since its establishment as a province in 1956.

However, with a growing population and increasing administrative complexity, Republic Act No. 11077 was signed into law on September 24, 2018, officially dividing the province into two legislative districts.

The push for the division was led by then-Aklan lone Rep. Carlito Marquez, who later became the first representative of the newly created 1st district in 2019 and secured reelection in 2022.

But before he went to Congress, Carlito first served as governor from 2004 to 2013, serving three consecutive terms.

Despite being eligible for another term, Carlito opted not to seek reelection in 2025. Instead, his son, Jesus “Papa Jess” Marquez, a former chief of staff under his father’s tenure, is stepping in to take his place.

Papa Jess faces competition from Rodell Ramos, a former mayor of Batan town.

The 1st district of Aklan is composed of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Kalibo, Libacao, Madalag, and New Washington.

HARESCO IN 2ND DISTRICT 

The second district, comprising the towns of Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia, and Tangalan, has been under the control of Teodorico “Nonong” Haresco Jr. since the district’s creation in 2019.

Teodorico’s political career began when he was elected to Congress as representative of the Ang Kasangga Partylist, representing the marginalized sector of micro-entrepreneurs, sitting from 2010 to 2013.

He then won another congressional seat in 2013 as the representative of Aklan’s then-lone district.

He sought a second term but was defeated by Carlito in the 2016 elections. It was a close fight between the two political veterans with Carlito winning by a margin of nearly nine percent.

In the May elections this year, Teodorico is running for a third consecutive term. This time, he faces a more complex battle, as his cousin, former governor Florencio “Joeben” Miraflores, has entered the race.

The seat for the 2nd district is tough with a five-cornered fight from retired Army Lt. Matias Wacan, businessman Leo Vincent Tirol, and Engr. Felicisimo Tanumtanum Jr., who are all running as independent candidates.

Aside from Teodorico’s congressional bid, his son, Jose Haresco, is also entering politics by running for a seat in the Provincial Board of the 2nd District.

COUSINS-TURNED-FOES

Initially retired from politics, Florencio reemerged as a challenger, citing concerns from constituents about the need for stronger representation in Congress.

“I had no plans to return to politics, but over the past months, I’ve heard from many people who feel that the 2nd District needs a stronger voice in Congress,” he said as quoted by Akeanon News, a print media in Aklan.

Despite their familial ties, tensions between the Haresco and Miraflores families have escalated, with cracks in their alliance surfacing after Tibyog Akean, Miraflores’ local political party, criticized Haresco for allegedly supporting opposition candidates in Aklan.

Teodorico, however, defended his actions, maintaining that his role as a legislator transcends party loyalty.

“I help everyone who comes to me, whether they belong to Tibyog or not. My primary responsibility is to ensure that the needs of the people in the 2nd district are met,” he said.

Teodorico disclosed in an October 2024 press conference that he declined an offer from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for a cabinet position.

“I declined because I want to complete the programs I have started for Aklan’s second district,” he said. (Graphics by Maybelle Jabian, WVSU intern)